CPF vs BLF

I was mostly referring to the free speech thread where everyone was civil and then you just shut it down for some reason. I guess civil free speech is controversial as well now, but I also understand this is a flashlight forum and you really want to keep it that way, so alls well that ends well.

I like reading CPF bashing threads :cry:

In before close.

ToyKeeper posted a very nice level headed post that compared the two.

I think that particular post may be in this thread: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/60657/35 but who knows, there are so many multiple topic threads for this frequent perennial favorite topic of discussion.

Peanut butter versus chocolate. Left brain versus right brain. Expensive Lumintop mile burners versus expensive edcs.

Adreneric versus cholinergic. Ascending reticular activating system versus descending reticular activating system.

Chocutter versus peanut bolate. Trickle right to left versus trickle left to right. Introverted versus extroverted. Led Floyd versus Pink Zeppelin.

Yeah, it’s ironic but unfortunately true, that was a highly volatile topic just waiting to explode into a nasty argument. Most did show constraint (and my thanks for that), but at least one or two users were starting to dominate and contradict others and push their point of view, and that’s when I step in.

Well, it’s not so much that I don’t want non-flashlight discussions, the Off-topic category was created to be used, I appreciate that a weird bunch like us flashaholics probably share a lot of other weird likes and interests. But I do put my foot down when it comes to anything that starts getting even close to politics and pitting one country against another. That sort of topic presents such an existential threat to BLF that allowing those particular topics would result in most people leaving, and therefore flashlights would also cease to be discussed.

I’ve noticed a pretty common misconception where users think that I intervene and/or prohibit topics that I don’t like or don’t agree with, or to promote what I view to be the truth on a given matter. But in reality it has nothing to do with my beliefs and preferences, but rather whether a given topic produces controversy. There have been many times where I’ve stepped in when a user was posting what I consider to be accurate facts, but by doing so was fanning the flames of an argument. So it really comes down to promoting peace over opinions and facts. As I always say, if the question of what 2+2 equals becomes controversial, then math would become a prohibited subject here.

As you probably know, in the book 1984 the idea of what 2+2 equals does become controversial.

(In real life what 2+2 equals is pretty much settled, so I do get your point.)

...

By the way, I would hate to be in charge of an online forum.

I bet it's a tough and mostly thankless job.

So thank you, sb, for keeping the peace here on BLF.

BLF wouldn’t exist today with such a strong loyal following, had it not been for the Oppressive CPF Nazi Dictatorship that drove away and banned most of its intellectual talent. They were driven by greed and enjoyed humiliating everyone who was not willing to support the grossly overpriced flashlights advertised by its paying contributors. Im surprised that abysmal sinking ship still hasn’t gone under and sank to the bottom where it belongs. Lord knows they are long overdue and deserve the very worst.

On a positive note, Google Search hasn’t turned up any results from CPF in years when I am researching flashlights and components. Id say that’s a very good thing, as BLF always turns up several articles.

As always, MANY THANKS to SB for putting on such a great show for us.

Now that I think about it BLF is unique among internet forums in its good nature. Part could be moderation, much could be the collaborative nature of projects and mods.

Everyone can anticipate, provide input, and buy BLF Lights. This gets you invested in the place. I signed up to both forums around the same time. Found CPF first and spent more time there in the early days. Now it’s almost exclusively here.

I learned in this thread that BLF is no longer a bad word over there. I suppose it’s hard to veto the term when they’re the lights people are buying and talking about.

I’ve been around here 5+ years, and can say it has and hasn’t changed… I recall many BLF threads being created solely to gripe about those “darn new members” stinking up the place. The old-boys club has had great success repelling many new members and change of all kinds. At the same time they themselves have gotten older and ornerier. These days I worry the old-boys-club just aspires to make BLF a mausoleum to decades gone by.
I still like how this place is a social alternative to full-on social media. But being half the age of the old-boys-club is tough.

I’m sorry you feel that way ‘Joshk’, but I disagree with you on your comment about the old timers.
I have not seen this in my 3yrs here. :wink:
Fact is the Old Timers are the history of BLF, we need them !
Everyone here is here for their love of flashlights and are looking for friends.
It’s not a perfect world anywhere, it’s only as good as we make it, either Better or Bitter.
:heart_eyes: :heart_eyes: :heart_eyes:
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Aren’t you 60-ish years old CNCman?

Can’t say I’ve ever noticed that kind of thing myself.

To each his own.

There were a lot of threads like that in recent years…
My first search for “new ish members” in the BLF search box returned this:
“New(ish) members and FLAMING”

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Surprisingly, even to me, the same user that created that thread is also the same user that has recently been promoted to a position of power within BLF, and has used that power to cut the head off debate about allowing new technology in certain areas.

’ Joshk ’ , I understand exactly what your saying. These things happen, and it hurts, I have been there too. But you cannot change people, they can only be led by a better example to change. You are a very intelligent man, I have seen your posts, you have much to contribute. Just let it go, and lead by example. Change is slow and may not happen easily. But many members here have been helped by your hand with more waiting.
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Yes, 60+ going on 30ish always :wink:
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I’m not looking to change people, only the atmosphere here. I do typically fit in well with older generations, and hope to become 60+ some day… But watching quietly while the youth is driven into obscurity on my favorite forum to socialize doesn’t sit well with me. If I was admin, this dude would have been given serious warning after invoking imagery of dominance via violence. Not a free pass.

My examples are just examples. I’m not railing against certain members. It’s just that the atmosphere has bumped up against a limit of mine.

what makes me post less and less on cpf is their pictures posting policy. there is just no way i’m gonna upload every pic i want to post in my image hosting account just to repost it there. they even had issues with me linking my own pics on other forums, it’s just not worth the troubles , especially considering the same people are on here too.
also it seem to me it is more a commercial platform rather than enthusiasts forums, no contests are held there. it does not make you want to build something new, try new ideas, as much as this forum. it is because of this forum i learned how to use 3d modeling software enough to actually design and print a working light for the contest.

> there is just no way i’m gonna upload every pic

uploading is optional.

I link to my photo host

This is where I would like to step in for a short moment.
I was never in the far right of any Gauss curve, but when it comes to “age” on the X-axis ……

It was not that difficult to find out whom you were referring to.
I hope you saw the :smiley: (big smile) at the end of the post you quoted.
Let me tell you: for me In my book that man is on the far right side of the “like” scale.
Giving support to people with less skills, sharing his know-how and his tricks-of-the-trade.
If you knew him a wee bit better, you would know that statement was meant ironical.
Or is this a case of: “England and America are two countries separated by the same language.”(GBShaw)

And I would like to appologize on behalf of GBShaw for writing England in stead of Great Britain.

I’ve been using cpf for a few years on and off. Im liking blf more and more. Both have their differences I suppose, though I just post mainly my gear and how and what I use it for.

No Henk. Imagery of beating youth into submission is not made ok by following it with a smile emoji.